A recent study presented at the 2024 Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology revealed a concerning link between alcohol consumption and heart disease, particularly among women. The study, conducted by researchers at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California and led by Dr. Jamal Rana, followed 430,000 members over a two-year period. Participants were asked about their alcohol consumption during routine well-care visits, with low, moderate, high, and binge drinking being the categories of intake.
Over the following four years, just over 3,000 participants developed coronary artery disease, a condition affecting the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle. The study found that individuals with high levels of alcohol intake had a higher likelihood of developing heart disease. Men with high intake had a 33% higher likelihood compared to those with moderate intake, while women with high intake had a 45% higher likelihood compared to those with low intake and a 29% higher likelihood compared to those with moderate intake. Women who reported binge drinking had a 68% higher likelihood of heart disease compared to those with moderate intake.
The study challenges previous beliefs that women have a lower risk of heart disease than men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States, with coronary artery disease being the most common cause. Alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease.
This study highlights the importance of recognizing gender-specific risk factors for heart disease in women, including alcohol consumption. It is crucial for healthcare providers to consider these factors when assessing a woman's risk of developing heart disease and to provide appropriate interventions to mitigate these risks.